Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The first half of this unit covers sensory processes involved in vision, audition and speech perception. Coding mechanisms common to different modalities are emphasised to help students understand general mechanisms of sensory coding and perceptual processing. The second half covers the following personality theories: psychoanalytic theories of Freud and Jung, phenomenological theories of Kelly and Rogers, three factor theory of Eysenck, five factor model of Costa and McCrae and social cognitive theories of Bandura and Mischel. The development, comparison, application and critical evaluation of these theories are emphasised. Compulsory weekend school for off-campus students.

Objectives

On the completion of this unit students will

1. understand the central problem faced by any perceptual system and be able to use this as a framework to think about the evolution of perceptual principles and current theories of perception;
2. understand the broad principles of perception which apply to all modalities including neurophysiological mechanisms at the levels of receptors, pathways, and brain structures; top-down and bottom up processing, and feature detection, and the constructive nature of perception;
3. know the sensory and perceptual processes specific to vision, audition and speech perception.
4. explain the origins and underlying assumptions of the personality theories of Jung, Eysenck, Costa and McCrae, Bandura, Kelly and Rogers;
5. understand the practical applications, experimental procedures and research interests associated with each of the above personality theories; and
6. critically evaluate and compare the above personality theories.

Assessment

Two 2000-word research reports: 20% each
Exam (3 hours): 60%
Hurdle requirement: 75% lab attendance

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Matthew Mundy

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture per week, plus seven 2-hour laboratory classes over the semester

Off-campus attendance requirements

Compulsory attendance at a 1-day weekend school is required for all off-campus students.

Prerequisites

PSY2031 (or PSY2011)

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/course/ugrad/major-minor.html